Location Killington, Vermont, United States Regions New England, Northeastern US Gender Male Also Known As Richard Torrey
Website ricktorrey.com/ Facebook View on Facebook LinkedIn View on LinkedIn X (Twitter) View on X
Rick Torrey, Richard Torrey, is a retired entrepreneur best known for founding and leading Basin Sports, Out Of Bounds Snowboard Shop, and True Wheels Bike Shop. His passion for skiing and mountain biking was the driving force behind establishing these businesses, which have become well-known in the outdoor sports community. His dedication to his
work and commitment to building successful ventures have earned him a reputation as a respected businessman.
Before his business journey, he worked as a programmer at an insurance company in the mid-1970s. Though he excelled in programming, he spent much of his career in technical support, where he helped develop more efficient methods for accessing computer systems. His contributions played an important role in improving data management. However, despite his success in tech, he felt a calling toward entrepreneurship.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, he moved with his family to Ludlow at a young age. From an early age, he was accustomed to working hard, holding jobs such as mowing lawns, babysitting, and delivering newspapers. These experiences instilled a strong work ethic and a sense of financial responsibility as he grew up in a family that faced financial struggles.
After high school, he worked while attending Springfield Tech for computer processing and took night classes at local colleges. He also worked at Pratt and Whitney and spent time coaching Little League hockey, where his team had regional success. Despite the busy schedule, he stayed focused on his future and eventually turned his attention to business.
In 1975, he bought his first home in Windsor, Connecticut, and began working as a programmer at an insurance company. By 1986, after purchasing a second home, he started preparing for a shift into entrepreneurship. His first business opportunity came when he lent money to a friend to buy a ski shop, which went out of business in 1991. Seizing the opportunity, he purchased the shop from the bank and committed to learning the retail industry. Over time, the ski shop grew to become one of the top establishments in the area.
Expanding on this success, he opened Out Of Bounds Snowboard Shop in 1996 and True Wheels Bike Shop shortly afterward. His daughter joined the business in 1996, and his wife, working part-time, became the full-time CFO in 2010. The company grew steadily, eventually expanding from a small store to a 24,500-square-foot facility. His leadership and innovation helped keep the company ahead of the competition.
Rick Torrey sold his businesses in August 2022, leaving a legacy of dedication, hard work, and success. Now retired, he spends his time skiing in the winter, mountain biking in the summer, and traveling the world. Looking back on his career, he is proud of the businesses he built and his positive impact on the community.
